Senior citizens could fit into childcare solutions
Re: “Childcare: ‘It’s vital’,” June 12 news story
So long as I can remember, finding safe, healthy, and affordable childcare has been an issue in our state. And so long as I can remember is a pretty long time. As a grandmother and great-grandmother whose loved ones live everywhere but here, I long for time with little ones to play again, read stories together, nap in the afternoons, and take walks outdoors — all the things I might do with my own grandbabies.
I do know how to change diapers and wipe tears. With our economy as it is, it seems some inventive IT or AI person might find a way to match seniors and families needing childcare. It might even be possible to have willing businesses subsidize such a program so that essential workers paid much less for childcare and seniors made a bit of much-needed income.
I could see great community-building outcomes from valuing one another this way. And somehow I think being around and caring for children while just finding them delightfully open to how wonderful our world is might soften the harsh drumbeat of time for many of us elders who feel so devalued.
Perfect idea? Nope. Yet, since I recall facing this issue 50 years ago when my kids were young, and we needed my income, maybe we need some more integrated thinking for our times.
Donna S. Smith, Denver
We Americans are responsible for our government’s actions
Re: “Thank you for standing up against Christian Nationalism,” June 17 letter to the editor
The writer is talking about antisemitism and his religious upbringing, which is all good. He did state one thing I completely disagree with: “To say that Jews in the U.S. are to be held responsible for what happens in Israel is like my being responsible for the American bomb that killed girls in an Iranian school.”
American Jews are not responsible for what the Israeli government does. However, American citizens are absolutely responsible for what our government does, and so we are all responsible for the bombs and the killing of 175 people at a girls’ school in Iran.
All Americans are responsible for what our government does, like it or not. We vote, we elect, we take responsibility.
Rob Bartee, Lakewood
Restricting mail voting is ‘highly suspect’
Re: “Mail ballot delivery could be blocked across the U.S.,” June 12 news story
Voting by mail works well in Colorado. Banning mail-in ballots would disenfranchise millions of American citizens, not only older adults or people with disabilities. Mail-in voting is easy, convenient, and reliable, which encourages eligible voters to participate.
The majority of Americans, who are neither far right nor far left, deserve an accessible and convenient way to vote. A ban on mail-in ballots would discourage citizens from voting, and that appears to be what President Trump wants. He seeks to limit voting access to his loyal MAGA base.
Any attempt to restrict voting should be viewed as highly suspect. I am, by the way, a real Republican.
Richard Stacy, Highlands Ranch
Candidates need to campaign on issues other than Trump
The people who want to run our state are strictly focused on stopping President Trump and suing ICE.
What about issues that affect all of us, like crime, ridiculous regulations, and mandates that cost every citizen money? There are reasons business is going elsewhere (and people too): Everything is more expensive here than in other states, and all the new regulations handed down from Denver.
Colorado is moving in the wrong direction as far as affordability goes.
Neal B. Cully, Colorado Springs
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